Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: A Fast-Moving Update on Bills on the Go
Simply put, there are a lot of bills moving and very few weeks left of session. Through extended committee meetings and late night floor sessions, bills are flying through committees, sometimes taking on an ever-so-different look than when they were originally introduced. Here are a few of the more prevalent bills gaining attention around the building and throughout communities statewide to keep you up-to-date. These are important bills that align with the priorities I have worked on this session: Education, Energy, and the Economy.
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NEWS: Interior Democrats Fight for Fairbanks in Small Gasline Proposal
Without fixes, bill would undercut development and lead to high gas prices for Alaskans
JUNEAU – Before voting on House Bill 9 (HB9) tonight, Interior House Democrats offered a number of amendments to protect Fairbanks’ and Alaskans’ interests as the state moves forward on a small gasline from the North Slope.
“As it is, this bill would repeat many of the mistakes Alaskans have made in the past,” said Rep. David Guttenberg (D-Fairbanks). “We have an oil line right through the Interior and we still pay some of the highest energy prices in the nation, and without significant changes, this bill would let us watch a gasline go by without any real benefit to Fairbanks.”
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Rep. Kawasaki’s Juneau Note: Your Money, Your Voice, and my Fairbanks Visit this Weekend
The legislature is quickly winding down to the last few weeks of session, set to adjourn on April 15th. Members are eager to pass their favorite bills which are moving through committees after very little public testimony. Here are some important issues facing our legislature over the next few weeks.
Budget
The Operating Budget passed the first hurdle in the House last week and is headed to the Senate. This budget contains money for everything from teachers to police and firefighters, to road maintenance.
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Rep. Kawasaki Announces Second Constituent Meeting in Fairbanks
Juneau, AK – Representative Scott Kawasaki will hold a constituent meeting March 24, 2012 at the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly Chambers from Noon to 2 pm. The event is open to the public.
This meeting comes amidst discussions around energy issues and contentious legislation on oil and gas taxes, both with significant potential impacts to the Interior. Attendees are welcome to bring questions or concerns about these and other issues. The Alaska Legislative session began January 17, 2012 and is scheduled to sine die on Sunday, April 15th.
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Democrats Offer Savings, Education, and Energy Budget Amendments
Amendments target proven ways to build today’s resources into tomorrow’s opportunity
JUNEAU – Today, House Democrats offered a series of amendments to the state operating budget targeted to saving money, reducing waste, improving schools, and lowering energy costs.
“Our goal all year has been to find ways to build today’s resources into tomorrow’s opportunities,” said House Democratic Leader Beth Kerttula (D-Juneau). “The Permanent Fund, our children’s education and Alaska’s home energy efficiency rebates are all proven ways to do that.”
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